October 28, 2016

Please Join AIA Detroit for our Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 17th, at 7:00PM. The meeting will be held at the Schoolcraft VisTaTech Center in Livonia.

We will discuss this past year’s activities and voting on a few small Bylaws changes (read about them here), as well as the AIA Detroit Board for 2017 (please take the time to read about this year’s candidates below). We will also be hosting a discussion about the potential for raising dues next year through a special membership vote.

We hope you will join us for some cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres as we wrap up another successful year at AIA Detroit. An RSVP is required for food and drink purposes by November 14th. If you cannot make the meeting in person and wish to participate in the election, you must request an absentee ballot from Lauren by November 10th, 2016.

Bio
Kimberly Montague has been a licensed architect for over 23 years and has worked in many capacities; as an architect, planner and health care design strategist. In her current role, she serves as Healthcare Knowledge & Insights Lead, working to develop strategy, research knowledge programs toward innovations in human-centered design. Prior to joining the health care team at Herman Miller Inc., Ms. Montague was the Director of Design Consultation Services for Planetree, Inc. As Director of Design Consultation, her primary focus was dedicated to assisting a variety of health care institutions improve not only the patient-centered aspects of care, but also the safety and health of those who work and are treated in these facilities.

A combination of a passion for healing environments and environmentally friendly design concepts, Kimberly demonstrates commitment to human-centered design by a strong commitment to evidence-based design principles and lean practices as well. By examining the environment from the patient’s perspective, coupled with a personal commitment to promoting health and wellness, her critical eye detects areas within a facility that support healing, or in some cases, can become barriers to furthering safe, effective and efficient healing environments.
Previously recognized by Healthcare Design Magazine as one of health care’s Top 25 Most Influential People in health care design, Kimberly launched the Planetree Visionary Design Network to recognize excellence in creating patient-centered healing environments for architectural and design firms. She currently serves as Treasurer for the AIA Detroit Chapter.

Statement of Intent
Architecture has long been a passion of mine. From my early days as an awestruck student in architectural history at University of Michigan to recent activities with AIA Detroit, the interplay of environments and human behavior has always piqued my interest. How do we, as architects, influence human interactions, and what role does the environment play in doing so?

Our organization is at a critical turning point; with the recent AIA Look Up campaign (www.ilookup.org), the public has begun to realize the significance of the built environment. Nowhere is this more relevant than in our own city, where the development of the riverfront; the renovations of existing architectural treasures and the influx of people to our city is shaping our own economic and social future. It’s the best time to be from Detroit.

Having served the past two years as the Treasurer for AIA Detroit, I have watched our organization grow and morph into the vibrant non-profit it is today. While we still have challenges, we have the energy, dedication and commitment of the current and future board members to not increase membership, but increase our influence in our own community. I’m honored to be part of the Board today, and ask for your support to keep our efforts moving in an upward direction; grow membership, provide educational opportunities and increase public awareness of our profession. As your Vice President, I dedicate myself to these tenets, and ask for your vote.

TREASURER

Andrew Dunlap, AIA, CDT, NCARB, LEED APSmithGroupJJR

Bio
Mr. Dunlap is a Principal in the Building Technology Studio at SmithGroupJJR, Inc. Mr. Dunlap’s primary work experience is focused on the analysis and development of building enclosure systems including wall cladding assemblies, air barrier systems, roofing, skylights, fenestration systems, and waterproofing. Specializing in the Energy and Hygrothermal Evaluation and Analysis of wall, fenestration, and roof systems, Mr. Dunlap utilizes a number of advanced computerized analysis and simulation tools to perform his work. His work extends from evaluating existing buildings, investigating problem buildings, revitalizing historic structures, to the design of new modern specialty facades.

Mr. Dunlap received his B. Arch, B.S. in Mathematics, and M. Arch degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy. He is active participant in the design and construction community, providing presentations and publications to several industry organizations including ASTM, BETEC, BEC, CSI, AIA2030, and the USGBC. He has been involved in the local chapter of the Building Enclosure Council since its inception in 2008, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). He is currently serving on the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) Board of Directors. Mr. Dunlap is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, and is on the University’s advisory board for the Architectural Engineering program.

Statement of Intent
I am honored to have been nominated for the Treasurer position on the AIA Detroit Board. I have been actively involved in the Detroit architectural community for over two decades, starting with my decision to attend the University of Detroit Mercy in 1996. Since then I have been fortunate to spend the past seventeen years of my career at SmithGroupJJR, Inc., where I have always been supported and encouraged to get involved in the community and to participate in activities that will enhance our profession.

One of my most recent endeavors related to the community and general architectural / construction industry was my involvement in our local chapter of the Building Enclosure Council (BEC), a joint committee of AIA Detroit and the National Institute of Building Science (NIBS). I participated in the steering group committee that started the chapter in 2008. I then joined the board and completed my final term as the past chair of the committee in 2015.

Throughout this past year, I have had the fortunate opportunity to sit on the AIA Detroit Board of Directors. My experience with the Detroit Board has exposed me to many other avenues in which I am able to serve our constituents. I have had amazing experiences working with the passionate and dedicated members of both the BEC and AIA chapters.

Throughout my six years serving on the BEC board, I was deeply involved in the financial aspects of the chapter. I believe that a thorough understanding of the financial standing of an organization is required in order to make sound decisions that may have both long term and short term impacts on the success of the chapter. With my background in mathematics and my past experiences developing and managing budgets, I will be able to assist in the continued growth and development of the AIA Detroit Chapter based on fiscally responsible and informed decisions.

I am encouraged by our past success and understand that a collaborative approach that includes local owners, architects, contractors, trades, manufacturers, and anyone else that has a vested interest in the built environment is required to continue the process of transforming our city and region.

I would like to thank you for considering me for the Treasurer position and I look forward to continuing to work with the current board and to serve the greater Detroit architectural community.

MICHIGAN DIRECTOR (2 Positions Available)

Charlie Klecha, Associate AIAdPOP Design

Bio
Charlie currently works with dPOP Design in their Detroit office as a Senior Designer, where his responsibilities include oversight of all of dPOP’s active projects with Bedrock Detroit. He also serves as the Associate Director on the AIA Detroit Board of Directors, and is active on several committees both within the AIA and in other organizations, including serving as Stage Manager for the 2016 AIA Celebration of Architecture, a premier event during the Detroit Design Festival. Charlie served as the 2014-2015 AIAS National President, during which term he successfully sat for and passed all seven divisions of the Architecture Registration Exam in seven days. He is a former member of the AIA National Board of Directors, a charter member of the AIA Strategic Council, and a Richard Upjohn Fellow of the AIA.

Statement of Intent
My interest in serving the Detroit architecture community as 2017-2018 Michigan Director stems from my history of engagement with the AIA, and a desire to represent our members at the state level to ensure their needs are being met and their voices heard. During graduate school in Chicago, I served as the Student Director for AIA Illinois, which provided valuable insights on the respective priorities and responsibilities of region-state and local components. As 2014-2015 AIAS National President, I worked closely, not only with our own members, but also with members of the AIA, NCARB, and ACSA national staff and volunteer leadership to foster a stronger sense of continuity and collaboration among our organizations. By virtue of that office, I also served on the first AIA National Board of Directors following the restructuring of our governance, and was an active member of the Strategic Council Steering Group, the body charged with establishing the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the inaugural Strategic Council. It is my firm belief that these experiences will lend themselves to a record of valuable contributions to both the AIA Detroit and AIA Michigan Boards of Directors, and to the members at large.

Amy Green Deines, Associate AIA, IIDACranbrook Academy of Art

Bio
A 2000 graduate of Cranbrook Academy of Art’s Architecture program, Amy Green Deines has a diverse design background that builds upon her academic training in industrial design and architecture.

Deines was appointed Dean of Cranbrook Academy of Art in July 2016. Prior to coming to Cranbrook, she was a professional and Interim Dean of the College of Architecture and Design at Lawrence Technological University (LTU), where she also acted as Executive Director of LTU’s Detroit Center for Design and Technology (DCDT).

At LTU, Deines was responsible for raising over $1.5 million in capital and program dollars to allow the DCDT to exist and to facilitate the multiple Detroit and educational initiatives of the College. Deines is the founder of detroitSHOP, a trans-disciplinary design studio now based at the DCDT.

Her teaching and research interests stem from an interdisciplinary approach that seeks to encompass the realities of a public-facing practice in an urban core. This practice understands that design is not a luxury, but a powerful agent of change.

Amy previously held academic positions at the Detroit Mercy School of Architecture, where she developed a variety of programs ranging from a funded lecture series, international programs, and outreach initiatives with other institutions as well as relevant industry partners. She has an experienced lecture who is presented her work at conferences around the world.

Timothy Flintoff, AIA, NCARBHamilton Anderson Associates

Bio
Timothy Flintoff Jr. AIA, NCARB, is a Project Manager with Hamilton Anderson Associates, previously Project Architect with NSA Architect- Engineers. Tim received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. Working in the profession since the early 2000s, Tim’s project experience has covered a variety of project types ranging from healthcare, industrial, residential, retail, and mixed use to federal/government work. Tim has been an active member of the AIA for over 10 years starting with the early formation of the Emerging professionals committee, to leading and lecturing for the ARE prep committee in 2012. Additionally, Tim has been a member of the AIA Michigan Government Affairs committee since 2008, working with fellow Associates and AIA members to successfully pass several legislative efforts including the ARE timing bill. Tim looks forward to using his experience, knowledge and passion for the City of Detroit and the profession to enhance the mission and vision of AIA Detroit.

DETROIT DIRECTOR (1 Position Available)

Melissa Dittmer, AIABedrock Real Estate Services

Bio
Melissa Dittmer is the Director of Architecture + Design at Bedrock Real Estate Services, the real estate and development company for all of Dan Gilbert’s Detroit properties. In her role, Melissa is responsible for leading Bedrock’s internal architecture studio – a collaborative group that completes the research, analysis, programming, and conceptual design of Bedrock’s real estate development projects – and the selection of external architects appropriate for each project’s strategic vision.

Most recently, Melissa led the conceptualization of Bedrock’s “City Modern” project, the modern redevelopment of 8.4 acres within Detroit’s historic Brush Park community and recent CNU Grand Prize winner. Melissa also led the design of the Detroit Blight Removal Task Force Plan – a 340-page document outlining strategies for the removal of 84,000+ blighted properties in Detroit.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Bryce Gamper, Associate AIAdPOP Design

Bio
Bryce has over five years experience working in the profession of the built environment, previously working in both construction management during college, and in retail design after graduation. With a Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University, he has also experimented in Industrial Design, and has taken that experience with him as an influence to his design style and creative thought process. Currently, Bryce is a designer at dPOP, in Detroit, focusing on commercial office designs – impacting the workspaces of the downtown core. While working Bryce is also actively documenting his hours with AXP on his pursuit to licensure.

In addition, Bryce has been an active member of the Detroit chapter of the American Institute of Architects where he served as the co-chair of the Urban Priorities Committee, working on projects to develop stronger communities in the city of Detroit. During his time as co-chair the committee focused their efforts on place making initiatives and community design ventures. He was heavily involved in the conceptual and strategic stages of the Michigan Avenue community project: bringing together designers, architects, and community members to create a new vision for the avenue, extending the success of the Corktown district further into the neighborhood. In the past he has also served on the AIA Detroit PR committee, and on the national board of the American Institute of Architecture Students as the Midwest Quadrant Director.

Statement of Intent:
After years of dedication to both AIAS and the AIA, serving on various committees, I have found a passion in both the built environment and in the policy and associations that surround it. By accepting my nomination and running for Associate Director, I intend to continue my involvement with the AIA and provide guidance and programs that engage and attract associate members. Through my personal experience pursuing licensure, along with my existing knowledge with the AIA, I am confident that I will be able to both serve our board and our associate members as the AIA Detroit Associate Director. I thank all members for their consideration.

AFFILIATE DIRECTOR

Aimee Zoyes, Hon AIA Detroit AffiliateZoyes Creative Group

Bio
A born creative, Aimee Zoyes has been drawn to the arts from her earliest days. Shortly after receiving her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Toledo, Aimee moved to Metro Detroit in 1995 to cultivate her career as an architectural illustrator, and worked for several years in the fast-paced agency world. In 1998 she launched an architectural illustration and graphic design business, serving local architects, designers, builders and developers. In 2009 she and her husband, Dean Zoyes, decided to join forces, merging their businesses to combine rendering and design with architectural model making, laser cutting and display services.

As President of Zoyes Creative Group, Aimee manages client relationships, strategy and business development, and provides creative leadership for the firm’s ten member team. Established over 15 years ago, initially as AC Illustration and now as Zoyes Creative Group, the firm continues to maintain strong relationships with the architecture, art and design community here in Detroit. Aimee has been a repeat participant in Detroit’s annual DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) event, guest speaker at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and at the Center for Creative Studies. She has also been a returning keynote speaker at Michigan Design Center, two-time presenter at Pecha-Kucha Detroit, and an active member and sponsor of the AIA Detroit Awards Event Committee. Today, she remains an art and architecture devotee, splitting her time between work, local creative events and family time with her husband and equally creative daughter, Evangelina.

Statement of Intent
It is with great pleasure that I, once again, accept the nomination for the Affiliate Director Position of the AIA Detroit. I believe that my participation in 2016, while serving on the AIA Detroit board, has not only strengthened my relationships within the architecture community, but has also allowed me to contribute to the successes the organization has realized in 2015. For that I am grateful.

Over the past several years, I’ve enjoyed being an integral part of the Awards Celebration Committee and Sponsorship Committee. Reaching across the architecture, real estate, and design communities to help the event succeed has been a privilege and a pleasure. The collaboration and commitment level of the group has been inspiring for me.

My sincerest thanks for this opportunity. I look forward to serving again as Affiliate Director for AIA Detroit in 2017.